Leaf Spring Problems!!!!!

Hey everyone,

I was playing with my jeep this morning and noticed something unusual. My leaf springs seem to be rearcing themselves, in the wrong direction. The front springs are resting on the bump stops with the Jeep unloaded. Just wondering if this is common in an older Jeep, its a 1972 w/ 304 V-8. I've got a post in the "wanted to buy section" also. Is there anything I can do to combat that problem or is it an evil that will happen eventually no matter what??? Thanks,
Mike
P.S. Would it be worthwhile to switch to YJ springs now??? I've found a set of 4 inch YJ lift springs cheap, $250 for the set. If I do an SOA w/ 4 inch lift springs, is that even feasible???? Or would my driveline angles look like a leaning tower and blow out u joints every few miles????

 

With the lift prings and SOA you are looking at 8.5 to 9 inches of lift total. Definate drive line angle problems.

 

Wrangler 4 inch lift springs will give you a bunch of lift. Especially if you use the wrangler spring perches. Add in a shackle reversal if your so inclined and the jeep will probably end up taller than you anticipated. I put 3.5 inch lift springs in my 74. I used the BDS 4.5 inch lift kit for a wrangler. It sits significantly higher than it did on the old lift springs. Lots of clearance with 35s.

 

Well I went ahead and bought the Explorer Pro Comp 4 inch lift springs for a 76-86 CJ5. Now comes the fun part of installing them onto my 72 CJ5. I paid $150 for the set and $100 shipping, total $250, I don't know if that was such a good deal or not. How do I do the shackle reversal to get more lift??? Thanks,
Mike
P.S. Will a 4" drop pitman arm be sufficient? Also will bump steer be an issue and the high steer be a resonable option???

 

With the 4" springs if you stay spring under you shouldn't need the hi steer kit as the springs stay low enough to not interfere with the drag link. You will want the drop pitman arm. 4" should be plenty to reduce bumpsteer to negligible amounts. One other thing is to make sure ball joints, wheel bearings, etc are all in good shape or you may end up with death wobble. Also check the caster on the front end after the lift. Don't forget other things like drive line angles, longer brake hoses, longer drive shafts, etc. Nickmil

 

whoa it looks like ur tire is way too far foward is that what happens after u converted

 

optical illusion

 

I notice the bottom of the door opening is about belt high for you. Does it have a fold down ladder mounted inside?R)

 

I used to be able to get in and out of it by swinging my leg up in there. Since my second hip replacement that's out. I use a bucket to get in and out and toss my cane and bucket in the back.

 

Sombody makes those "Stirrups" that hook behind the sill of the door to help get in.....

 

Thats dedication to your Jeep. R) Nice lookin' Jeep, BTW.

 

So what I can get a set of 4" YJ springs and hangers and they will fit my 72 cj5? No other mods except longer shocks and a dropped pitman arm? If that's true then can I skipp the mega-buck pre-engineered kits from Skyjacker, BDS, ProComp and the like?

 

kinda sorta yeah, I still need to replace driveshafts. I got so much lift that I need to put CV shafts in. There is also some welding required to mount the new spring mounts and spring plates are difficult but doable. I think I have around $1000 total in mine so far. Not sure, I try not to keep to close track of just how big a money pit it is... I still may end up moving my front shackle hangers further forward, not sure I like them like they are.

 

I have a new set of 4" lift springs that have never been on. They are from a 75 cj5. Also I have a set of used 4" lift springs that are in good shape. If you are interested in the e-mail me at kdx250@juno. com.

 

I may be interested, I'm still undecided. I had a '97 TJ my friend and I put a 3" BDS suspension lift in for around $600.00 and I thought a kit for an old cj5 would be less of a project, but I was wrong.